May 19, 2020

Mar 23, 2020

For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19. To learn more about the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, please visit  https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/re-open-saskatchewan-plan

Here is more information regarding Phase Two of Opening up Saskatchewan, taken from www.saskatchewan.ca
 
The following recommendations should remain in place through all five phases:
 
Protective measures for vulnerable populations.
Individuals should continue working from home if they can do so effectively.
Physical distancing must be maintained, wherever possible.
People must stay at home when they are sick.
Vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and those with underlying health conditions, should continue to exercise caution and minimize high-risk exposures, such as public outings.
Personal hygiene will continue to be a key prevention measure.
Enhanced cleaning and disinfection should take place in workplaces, public spaces and recreational facilities.
Although the public health order regarding the size of gatherings does not apply to businesses and workplaces, they are expected to follow the recommended public health measures, including:
physical distancing for staff and clients;
regular cleaning and disinfection;
frequent handwashing and sanitizing;
use of PPE where available and appropriate; and
keeping staff who demonstrate or report COVID-19 symptoms out of the workplace.
Special care and personal care homes must ensure that each staff member works in only one facility
Re-Opening Retail (May 19, 2020)
Retail businesses that were previously not allowed can begin providing services to the public, subject to the Retail Guidelines, including:
clothing stores
shoe stores
flower shops
sporting good/adventure stores
vaping supply shops (vaping and consumption of vaping products not permitted in stores)
boats, ATV and snowmobile dealers
gift, book and stationery stores
jewelry and accessory stores
toy stores
music, electronic and entertainment stores
pawn shops
thrift stores
travel agencies
marinas
u-pick produce
Shopping Malls (May 19, 2020)
Shopping malls and their retail tenants may resume business subject to the Retail Guidelines.
Shopping mall operators must implement measures to ensure appropriate social distancing in the common spaces of the mall, and queues must be managed with a minimum of two metres between people.
Washrooms may be open to staff and the public, but increased cleaning and disinfection must take place.
Food court facilities are restricted to pick-up and delivery service only. All seating areas must be closed.
Elevators must allow people to maintain two metres of separation. Escalators must be managed to maintain two metres between users.
Re-Opening Select Personal Services (May 19, 2020)
Some personal service businesses can begin providing services to the public, subject to the Personal Care Services Guidelines, including:
hairdresser/barber (may wash, cut, style and chemically alter hair)
registered massage therapist
acupuncturist
acupressurist
Re-opening these businesses will allow many small business owners to bring their businesses back online in a safe and efficient manner.
All businesses and customers are expected to maintain physical distancing practices. Where it is not possible to provide personal services through physical distancing, service providers will be required to take precautionary measures, such as client screening, wearing eye protection and face masks.
Retail and personal services workplaces will need to follow guidance that essential businesses are currently following with respect to hand washing, intensive cleaning (particularly high-touch areas) and structuring stores to enable physical distancing. In order to meet these requirements, operators may need to limit the number of customers in the store.
Garage sales are not permitted at this time and will be re-assessed in later phases.
Public Markets and Farmers Markets (May 19, 2020)
Public markets and farmers markets may begin operations with the necessary precautionary measures in place, including increased cleaning and disinfecting, restricting the number of people in the market areas and practicing physical distancing.
Specific guidelines for public and farmers markets are available.
*Other than in an allowable business, the size of public and private gatherings will remain at a maximum of 10 people.

 

For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19.

 

April 1

Council met last night, March 31, 2020 and has the following message for Vibank Residents:
*Thank you for remembering your neighbours and the most vulnerable of our Community
*Thank you for social distancing when walking, visiting the store, post office, and quick stop.
*Thank you for abiding by bylaws including safely driving your ATV the quickest route out of the Village and keeping off green spaces and Village streets.
*Thank you for picking up after your pet.
Council has cancelled interest on Village water/sewer utilities for the month of April.
Remember we are all one Community and we are all in this together. 

  • Saskatchewan Records Third COVID-19 Death
    A Saskatchewan resident in the 80-89 age range has died from complications related to COVID-19.  The province now has three deaths related to the virus.
  • Taking Care Of Your Mental Health During The Pandemic
    Mental health services and supports are readily available to Saskatchewan residents who need them during the COVID-19 pandemic.  In recent spending estimates, the Ministry of Health is investing $435 million in mental health and addictions services, an increase of $33 million.

www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19

  • March 24

Our Maintenance Staff Are taking a page and a post from the Regina Public School Board and are closing the Vibank Regional School playground.
COVID-19 virus can linger on surfaces such as plastic and metal for several days and could potentially be transmitted by playing in school playgrounds and touching playground equipment that others have touched. This includes slides, swings, teeter-totters, jungle gyms and other equipment. None of this equipment is being cleaned or sanitized while schools are closed and can pose a health risk to anyone that uses them.

Please do not use this play equipment until further notice.

It is difficult to tell young people that they cannot play and is perhaps one of the hardest parts of the current requirements to practice social distancing.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

March 23
Lot’s of things are changing in our province and our Village:
– Council has moved their March 24 meeting to March 31
– Council will meet electronically as our office is too small for polite social/physical distancing.
– Agenda will be posted on the vibank.ca web page
– The meeting will be closed to delegations. Those residents wanting to listen to the meeting , please register at as we are limited in space.
– Draft minutes will be posted, April 1. Please remember that these are DRAFT and errors are possible.
– Stores in the Heritage Building are now closed to the public, with the exception of the post office ( hours are changing – call for details 306-762-4414) and daycare (306-762-2266.) If you do not need to come into the building please do not. Wash your hands after getting your mail, pumping gas, and opening doors.
– Maintenance is doing their part , please do not approach them, as their positions are extremely important to the safety of all Villagers they are actively practicing social distancing, they may or may not being using hockey sticks to enforce physical distancing.
– Please call or email the Office if you have questions or concerns. 306-762-2130
Be kind and practice physical distancing watch for hearts and other messages in windows when out for your walk, start an online book club with your friends and neighbours, look out for your neighbours and wash your hands.
www.saskatchewan.ca